Columbus leaders stood with the Somali community, reaffirming that the city is safe, inclusive and committed to protecting all residents.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus city officials joined Somali community members on Saturday morning to respond to comments made earlier this week by President Donald Trump. Their message was clear: Columbus is for everyone.
During a meeting on Tuesday, Trump referred to Somalians as “garbage” and said that he didn’t want them in the United States because “they contribute nothing.”
Local Somali leaders said Trump’s remarks have raised concern among community members. City leaders used the event to reaffirm that Columbus is a safe and welcoming place for all residents.
Mayor Andrew Ginther, members of Columbus City Council and state officials highlighted the positive impact Somalians have had in central Ohio.
Columbus is home to the nation’s second-largest Somali community, behind Minnesota. City leaders estimate more than 600,000 Somali Americans live in Columbus and about 500 Somali-owned businesses operate in the city.
Ginther said the city will not use its resources to carry out federal immigration enforcement. He emphasized that no resident will be investigated solely based on immigration status and that everyone should feel safe calling the police.
“Words are powerful, especially when it’s coming from a sitting president,” said Mohamed Ali, a Somali community leader. “Words carry magnitude and have influence. His words, and you know, labeling a whole community garbage is unacceptable. It’s unethical. And it’s scary.”
City Council President Shannon Hardin said Columbus will continue to stand with Somali residents.
“We will continue to support our Somali American neighbors, not just with our words, but with our actions,” he said. “That we all belong here. That we matter. And that we will not allow anyone to tear our neighbors down.”
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